After performing as a backing singer on Eurovision - twice - this year's contest was finally Gustaph from Belgium's chance to take centre stage. And the audience and viewers at home have LOVED him!
Gustaph, real name Stef Caers, is a singer, songwriter, producer and vocal coach from Antwerp in Belgium and in Eurovision this year he performed Because of You - while wearing a pink and white suit with a quirky, wide-brimmed white ha.!
Previously, he performed as a backing singer for Belgium's Sennek in Eurovision 2018 and for Belgium's Hooverphonic in 2021 - so he was understandably delighted to be promoted from backing singer to the main star for Belgium's entry this year.
Read more: Eurovision live updates as UK hosts grand final of the 2023 song contest
Gustaph was chosen to represent Belgium after impressing judges in Belgium's Eurosong 2023 competition. He's previously released music with American musician and producr Andy Butler, under the project name Hercules and Love Affair.
His Eurovision song Because Of You is described as being a ‘club anthem’, which celebrates freedom and ‘the joy to be yourself’. Gustaph is openly gay and has described the song as a rallying call for the LGBTQ+ community, as reported by the MEN.
The official Eurovision website said: "Gustaph is bringing the '90s house music revival to Eurovision, with a big old inspo-bop about celebrating the people who raise us up. Gustaph has backing vocals bridesmaid at Eurovision twice – for Sennek in 2018 and Hooverphonic in 2022, but now he’s very much the bride and absolutely living his best life. Also bonus points for the pink dancing trousers and the rather fabulous hat."
Fans loved his performance, with many comparing him to British legend Boy George.
"Belgium was also incredible, Belgian Boy George channelling those 90s vibes and I'm here for it!" said viewer Andrew Gentry. "Belgium is a bit of a tune. Feelin those Boy George vibes for sure," agreed fan Lucy Ambache.
"Belgium looks like Boy George… and his song is a banger!" added viewer Katie Razzall.
"This song by Belgium is true, unadulterated joy," said tv critic Scott Bryan. "YES BELGIUM. 90S DANCE NONSENSE AND A BIG HAT GOOD WORK" added viewer Technically Ron.
"Belgium is now my one to beat!" said Matt Chorley. "The darling Gustaph from Belgium wrote this song as a love letter to his chosen family, to the queer community. It’s meant to be meaningful to LGBTQ+ communities but to everyone too - to freedom and self expression," added fan Zoe London.
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